Medication Topics

Ten Medication Principles to Remember

Medications may produce an effect that is different from the effect that was desired.

Medications may produce no effect.

Medications may produce an opposite effect than the desired effect.

Medications may make a problem worse. These are called adverse effects (life threatening) or side effects (undesirable).

Some medications can have good or bad reactions with other medications already being taken.

Many medications taken for mood and behavior may take time to work (such as Lithium and antidepressants).

Be patient when new medications are started. They may take 3-4 weeks to work and side effects may begin at once.

Give medications on time and as prescribed.

If someone has kidney or liver problems, medications may make these conditions worse. For any person taking medications, monitor and report the following:

changes in the color of the stool

changes in the color of the white part of the eye

changes in the color of tissue under the tongue

stomach pain or increase in size of the stomach

weight gain or swelling (edema)

cloudy urine with increased odor

blood in the urine or stool

increased, frequent, or decreased urine output.

Our library articles cover much more than the basics about common health conditions. Here you'll find information you can really use, including treatment options, alternative care, self care tips, resources, and links to products.

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